Air Marshal Khanna Takes Over as Maintenance Head of the Indian Air Force (IAF)

Air Marshal Khanna Takes Over
as Maintenance Head of the Indian Air Force (IAF)

Air Marshal
Virender Mohan Khanna assumes the responsibilities of Air Officer-in-charge
Maintenance (AOM) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi today.

The Air Marshal was commissioned in the Mechanical stream of Aeronautical
Engineering branch in IAF on 25 July 1977. He is a graduate from Regional
Engineering College, Kurukshetra and post graduate in Industrial Engineering
and Management from IIT, Kharagpur. He is an also an alumnus of the prestigious
Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Additionally, he also acquired post
graduate diploma in Journalism and Human Rights.

During his career spanning 38 years, the officer has held important appointments
of Director General (Aircraft) and Assistance Chief of Air Staff Engg
(Transport and Helicopters) at Air HQ, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer and
Chief Engineering Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command. The officer has also
served at various Base Repair Depots as Chief of Aircraft, Chief of Production
and Planning and Commanding Officer. He was instrumental in successful
induction of large number of MI-17 V5 helicopters, Hawk AJT and Pilatus
aircraft.

Air Marshal had led a team of IAF Pilots and Maintenance Officers which trained
pilots and engineers of Botswana Defence Force thus strengthening Indo-Africa
ties. Air Marshal has served as Flight Engineer and flown MI-8, MI-17 and
MI-26, the largest helicopters in the world based at Chandigarh.

An avid sportsman, Air Marshal was also the member of two Indian Expeditions to
Antarctica where IAF played a pivotal role in setting up Indian permanent Bases
Dakshin Gangotri and Maitri.

Air Marshal has been decorated by President of India with Vishisht Seva Medal
and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

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Visit of INS Sahyadri at
Manila, Philippines

Indian Naval Ship
Sahyadri, currently on operational deployment to South China Sea and North West
Pacific region in pursuance of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, entered today at Manila.
The ship is likely to be at Manila till 4th November for extensive interactions
with the Philippine Navy. Bilateral relations between India and the
Philippines, based on shared values of anti-colonialism, strong democratic
polity and South - South Cooperation have been growing significantly in the
recent past, spurred by both economic as well as security engagements. Regular
foreign policy consultations and security dialogue meetings have provided
impetus to the bilateral relationship.

The visit of INS Sahyadri is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and
enhancing inter-operability between navies of the two countries. INS Sahyadri
is an indigenously built warship of the Shivalik Class. Inducted into the
Indian Navy on 21 July 12, the multi-role stealth frigate, boasts of an
impressive array of weaponry in her arsenal. Long range anti-ship missiles,
medium and short range surface to air missiles augmented by powerful guns of
different calibres provide a formidable shield against all types of surface and
air threats. The capability to carry two integral multi-role helicopters
significantly enhances the potency of this ship. INS Sahyadri, is presently
being commanded by Captain Kunal Singh Rajkumar.

During the stay in harbour, various activities aimed at enhancing cooperation
between the two navies are planned. These include official calls on local naval
and civilian dignitaries, reception on board INS Sahyadri, visits to the ship
by the local populace, guided tours for Indian Naval personnel and professional
interaction between personnel of both the navies.

On departure, the ship is planned to exercise with Philippine Navy ships for
improving interoperability in communication as well as Search and Rescue
procedures.